MRi News

GT and First Christian Churches in Partnership with Macon Resources to Host Night to Shine Prom for People with Special Needs Sponsored by Tim Tebow Foundation

Decatur, IL – GT Church and First Christian Church in partnership with Macon Resources announced today that they will serve as one of nearly 500 churches around the world already registered to host Night to Shine 2019, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, simultaneously on Friday, February 8. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older, hosted by local churches in all 50 states and across the globe all on one night. GT, First Christian, and Macon Resources are excited to be a part of this worldwide movement that God is using as a catalyst to change how culture embraces people with special needs and to rally the church worldwide to stand up for those who are differently-abled.

“As an agency that provides services to over 800 individuals with special needs in Macon County, MRI couldn’t be more grateful to support GT Church, First Christian Church, and the Tim Tebow Foundation in this event” said Amy Bliefnick, President and CEO of Macon Resources. “This world-wide event is changing the way people with special needs are viewed, and what better way to celebrate them and their talents by hosting an unforgettable prom night experience.”

Every guest of Night to Shine enters this complimentary event on a red carpet complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi. Once inside, guests receive the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, karaoke, prom favors, a dance floor… all leading up to the moment when each guest is crowned king or queen of the prom.

“I am blown away by how we are seeing God use the Church to step into this space as an advocate for people with special needs. It’s not about my foundation or the churches themselves, but about communities coming together to love and celebrate people with differences. Every town, every village, every state, every country needs a Night to Shine for their special needs community – a chance to be a part of something significant and life-changing…and to be blessed in the process,” said Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation.

As sponsor of Night to Shine, the Tim Tebow Foundation will provide each host church with the official 2019 Night to Shine Planning Manual, the official Night to Shine Prom Kit, complete with decorations and gifts for the guests, and personalized guidance and support from a Tim Tebow Foundation staff member. The foundation also has committed millions of dollars in financial support to hundreds of churches needing assistance in hosting the event.

“We are excited to host Night to Shine for the first time in our community alongside GT Church with the support of MRI”, said BJ Leonard, Missions Pastor at First Christian Church. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase God’s love for all people, especially those with special needs.”

“First Christian Church is thrilled to provide support and help for some of the most special people in our community. Jesus expected his followers to care for people of all social settings and levels. This joyous event will reach into the lives of some of our deepest friends and family members. It’s a win for both those who are served as well as those who serve” said Wayne Kent, Lead Pastor at First Christian Church.

When Night to Shine launched in 2015, 44 host churches and 15,000 volunteers worked together to honor more than 7,000 kings and queens of the prom. This past February, 537 host churches and 175,000 volunteers came together to celebrate 90,000 honored guests with special needs. Now in its fifth anniversary year, the Tim Tebow Foundation is seeing new churches sign up continuously and the event is expected to take place in over 700 locations this coming February.

“Night to Shine is a wonderful opportunity to show those with special needs that they are valued and loved by God”, said Pastor Matt Samuels, Lead Pastor at GT Church. “People with special needs do not often get the opportunity to attend an event like this, so it is a wonderful experience to make this night happen for them, as this is what serving Christ is all about.”

ABOUT GT CHURCH
GT Church exists to help people Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference.

ABOUT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
The mission of First Christian Church is to develop devoted followers of Jesus Christ by growing and serving together. This includes serving in the community and caring for people in Jesus’ name.

ABOUT MRI
MRI is a non-profit organization in Decatur, Illinois, that provides services to promote the growth, independence, and self-worth of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

ABOUT TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION
The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. That mission is being fulfilled every day through the foundation’s seven areas of outreach, including W15H, Timmy’s Playrooms, Orphan Care, Adoption Aid, the Tebow CURE Hospital, Team Tebow and Night to Shine. For more information on the Tim Tebow Foundation, please visit www.timtebowfoundation.org

MRI is proud to announce that we are now producing an e-newsletter each month!

After many months, nearly 2 years, it dawned on us that a regular newsletter was not being published and sent out. We believe it is very important for our friends, families and donors to keep up to date on what is going on at MRI. We have tons of events and activities taking place each month and simply getting information from our social media outlets doesn’t do it’s justice. We hope you enjoy our newsletter and if there are aspects that you would like to see added or if things aren’t working for you please let us know.

Decatur, IL – Macon Resources, Inc. (MRI) held a kickoff event on Thursday, October 4 to celebrate their newly renovated gym and announce a new addition to the MRI campus, Meaningful Meadows, an innovative outdoor activity center for adults with developmental disabilities. Meaningful Meadows will be one of the most unique inclusive recreational areas offered in the state of Illinois for adults with developmental disabilities. Construction on the activity center will start this fall with plans for completion by the start of summer 2019.

Meaningful Meadows will include the following features throughout the acre and a half park:

Exercise – features include a walking path, basketball court, and splash pad

Sensory – includes a small pond, chimes, butterfly garden, plants and flowers, a sound board, and “car wash”

Occupational – includes bird baths, planters, and a weather station, which will give clients the opportunity to be employed through feeding the birds and taking care of the grounds

Escape – features several different quiet and relaxing areas around the grounds

Social – consists of sitting areas, an outside classroom, and a spot for yard games

“This outdoor activity space is an innovative, creative and exciting addition to the services we offer for the people we serve,” said Amy Bliefnick, CEO/President of MRI. “The ability to utilize the outdoor space with sensory and exercise opportunities is much needed and highly anticipated.”

“The activity center will be very incredible,” said Carl, a client at MRI. “I like all of the activities we have at MRI, and the new outdoor activity center will help us be better physically and spiritually.”

ABOUT MRI
MRI is a non-profit organization in Decatur, Illinois, that provides services to promote the growth, independence, and self-worth of children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1988 through the consolidation of Progress Resource Center and Macon County Rehabilitation facilities, today, MRI has grown to be the largest provider of services for adults and children with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities in the region with 270 employees that serve over 800 adults and children through programming such as: children’s prevention and home visiting, day care, after-school care, summer camps, case management, residential services, life skills training, vocational training, job placement, and volunteerism to achieve a meaningful place in our community.

Decatur, IL – The CEO of Macon Resources (MRI), Amy Bliefnick, today announced that MRI has been awarded the four-year Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. This award confirms that the organization embraces person-centered solutions to improve the quality of life for people receiving supports and services.

MRI is a non-profit organization that provides services to promote the growth, independence, and self-worth of children and adults with disabilities. MRI is the largest provider of services for adults and children with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities in the region with 170 employees that serve over 800 adults and children through programming such as: children’s prevention and home visiting, day care, after-school care, summer camps, case management, residential services, life skills training, vocational training, job placement, and volunteerism to achieve a meaningful place in our community.

“We strive everyday to promote the growth, independence, and self-worth of children and adults with disabilities”, said Bliefnick. “On behalf of the 270 employees at Macon Resources we are so proud to receive accreditation as this validates that we provide the best standards and quality of care that we can for the individuals we serve.”
When MRI partnered with CQL to pursue accreditation, it undertook a rigorous process to review and improve supports and services.

The efforts of MRI were focused on empowering the people who receive supports to pursue what really matters in their lives, and achieve their personally-defined outcomes.
MRI has been awarded CQL accreditation as a result of demonstrating proficiency in the following areas:

Personal Outcome Measures® Supporting and empowering people to achieve their goals and dreams

Person-Centered Excellence Demonstrating organizational commitment to continued enhancement of systems

“CQL commends MRI for its success in increasing the quality of life for the people it supports. We are pleased to partner with them on this journey of ongoing organizational transformation,” states Mary Kay Rizzolo, president and CEO of CQL.

CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership is an international non-profit, virtual organization dedicated to the definition, measurement and improvement of personal quality of life. CQL’s vision is a world of dignity, opportunity and community for all people. Learn more about CQL by visiting: www.c-q-l.org

MRI is a non-profit organization in Decatur, Illinois, that provides services to promote the growth, independence, and self-worth of children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1988 through the consolidation of Progress Resource Center and Macon County Rehabilitation facilities, today, MRI has grown to be the largest provider of services for adults and children with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities in the region with 270 employees that serve over 800 adults and children through programming such as: children’s prevention and home visiting, day care, after-school care, summer camps, case management, residential services, life skills training, vocational training, job placement, and volunteerism to achieve a meaningful place in our community.

MRI Drama Club & Millikin University students have been working hard to learn the ins and outs of show biz. Come check out their hard work as they present William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

WHO: The Superior Thespians of MRIWHAT: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William ShakespeareWHEN: Friday, May 4 @ 1:00 pmWHERE: MRI Gymnasium, 2121 Hubbard Ave., Decatur, IL 62526WHY: Come support the hard work of the Millikin students and MRI drama club in this amazing opening/closing night one-time spectacular show!COST:FREE!

A note from our thespians:
‘The MRI Drama Club and theatre students from Millikin University, will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on May 4, 2018 at 1:00 pm. The students enrolled in a ‘Shakespeare Corrected” course elected to produce a dramatic presentation with our individuals served. Entertaining practices guarantee an interesting and comical production. Don’t miss this fantastic show!!”

Get to know him

Cameron participates in the Discovery Depot child care center at Independence Pointe. At only two years old, he is a rambunctious ball of energy! When we went to visit Cameron to get a few photos for our Impact Story he was a bit shy. Granted, we arrived as he and his classmates were just waking up from their afternoon naps (Oops!). With the help of his teachers we were able to get him to crack a few smiles for the camera.

How has Discovery Depot helped?

When Cameron joined Discovery Depot, he was having both physical and developmental issues. Aside from the services provided by MRI he also visits a therapist to aid in developing his skills. After working with Cameron it was apparent that his poor vision was impacting his developmental abilities. Once he received his adorable glasses and began working in the classroom, he began to show great improvement.
In his classroom he and his classmates work on social and emotional learning. Some of the learning includes;

Practicing sharing
Sign language

Taking turns
Following directions

Learning colors
Decision making

How is he doing now?

After speaking with his grandmother about Cameron’s progress, she had this to say,“Through Discovery Depot he has developed greatly.” She has noticed a big improvement in his social skills and his memory. When he enters the building at Independence Pointe he recognizes all of the staff and even knows everyone’s names!

Join MRI, WAND TV and Cromwell Radio in overcoming obstacles in Central Park on Friday, April 27.

How can you help Overcome Obstacles? Click on one of the titles below to begin.
1. COLLECT PLEDGES TO COMPETE: Collect at least $25 in pledges to compete in our downtown obstacle course. Raise $50 for a free T shirt and raise $100 or more for a leg up in the race. Start your own fundraising page and collect donations for MRI.

MRI helps over 800 children and adults with disabilities in our community overcome obstacles each day. We invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements and testing yourself in overcoming similar obstacles.

Krispy Kreme doughnuts ($7 per box) and boxed lunches ($7 per box) can be picked up at the event in Central Park or delivered (orders of 10 or more). To pre-order : CALL 217.875.8850 | EMAIL msnively@maconresources.org

Spread the Word the End the Word is a national campaign created by Special Olympics and Best Buddies. MRI is joining the campaign and spreading the word about how hurtful the R-word (retard or retarded) can be to individuals with disabilities.

On Wednesday, March 7 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, MRI will set up booths at MRI’s main campus (2121 Hubbard Ave.), Eisenhower High School and Millikin University’s new student union. We will have easily accessible ways to pledge, giveaways and the opportunity to hear first hand accounts about how the R-word affects from individuals with disabilities. Join us at any location to help spread the word!

If you were to visit MRI (Macon Resources, inc.) out on Hubbard Avenue, there is a good chance you would be welcomed by a big smile from Angie. Angie has been with MRI for over 33 years, and has witnessed many changes throughout those years! She has held multiple employment positions around the building; however, working as an Agency Greeter is her most recent achievement!

Growing up, Angie faced bullying throughout school. It was difficult for her to find a place to fit in, and as a result she moved from school to school. As she progressed through school, the bullying intensified and all of the harassment took a toll on her. Eventually she shut herself off from everyone to avoid the negativity. At the age of 17 Angie was able to utilize the services provided by MRI and she finally found a place of belonging. She slowly began to open up and become the kind and caring person she is today.

“I want to be more independent. I want to try stuff on my own.” -Angie

We sat down with Angie one afternoon and had a wonderful time listening to her describe the events of her past that have led her to where she is now. Her early years with MRI were highly supervised. Angie received an escort to help her into, and throughout the building. Once she warmed up to the atmosphere and the people, Angie soon noticed she was receiving more attention from staff than she needed. One night Angie expressed to her mother, “I want to be more independent. I want to try stuff on my own.” and the next day Angie escorted herself into the building. This moment was the first step Angie had taken towards becoming more independent for herself!

As more time passed and confidence in herself grew, Angie wanted to push her sense of independence even further. She wanted to get a job and start earning money on her own. Angie recalls her first job at MRI as stuffing newspapers. During that job she learned valuable skills such as work ethic and money management. With the help of MRI’s employment staff, Angie has held multiple jobs both within MRI and in the community.

Aside from working, Angie also is involved with volunteering! A few years ago Angie was informed that McKinley Court Care Center had multiple opportunities for volunteers at their building in Decatur. Angie took it upon herself to find them in the phone book and give them a call to see where she could help. After receiving the Volunteer of the Year award for three years in a row at McKinley Court, Angie was offered a job there! Her duties consist of; participating in bingo with the residents, socializing and completing paperwork.

Angie is very thankful for the services MRI provides and the skills she has learned along the way. She looks forward to what lies ahead of her and the places she will go.

Michel, a VISIONS participant, has been coming to MRI for about three months now. Referred to MRI by Decatur Manor, Michel spends his days in group, working in license platesand greeting his new friends. He comes in a little later than most because he leads the morning meeting at the Brick House Foundation, the sober living home where he currently resides.

Not only does Michel live there, but he is also a resident manager. This means he provides support for a lot of the new residents. Michel assists their recovery by teaching them about structure, which is a skill many recovering from addiction need help with. He establishes chore schedules, organizes legal papers and filing, attends legal matters, like drug court, with fellow housemates and assists with general life skills such as scheduling and keeping appointments. Basically, if there is an issue, anyone in the house can come to Michel for help resolving it.

So how has MRI helped Michel? I mean, it sounds like he’s got it all together! That’s easy, “MRI is stability for me,” he explains. Whenever he runs into issues such as trying to refill his necessary medication, he knows he can always call Lisa, his MRI case manger, and she will help. Most recently, Michel knew he needed more help than he was able to receive. He needed to admit himself to the hospital, but he was worried he would lose his job at MRI. He called Lisa and was relieved to hear her say, “I understand. See you when you get out!”

Michel was shocked. “Any other employer would have fired me for missing work, but Lisa understood.”Michel was able to get the help he needed and return to his job, which was still here for him. “Being able to have a job and contribute, that’s important to me,” says Michel. “That’s what makes or breaks my self esteem.”

Michel is just one of the many adults who attend MRI daily. Click here to learn more about MRI’s VISIONS Mental Health program.